The Latest in Hot Shots

Infrared cameras are becoming affordable tools for building performance professionals.

Infrared thermography is a proven tool that has been used for building diagnostics for a number of years (see “Selecting an Infrared Imaging System,” HE July/Aug ’93, p. 37).There is simply no better way to locate and diagnose problems with insulation performance and air leakage sites.You’ll not find a better tool for troubleshooting problems or prejob planning; the list of applications is long. Infrared (IR) systems with focal plane array (FPA) detectors, first introduced in the 1990s, have evolved fully, and second-generation products are now reaching the market.Today’s IR systems no longer require cooling as did older technologies, and they are small and easy to use. Unfortunately, in the past thermography— especially the high-end systems— was too expensive for many of us. But now things are finally changing for building contractors,weatherization professionals, and building scientists who want to use IR technology.New markets—in particular firefighting, law enforcement, and navigational aids—are causing manufacturers to produce better, smaller systems at lower cost.While highend systems can still push $70,000,...